@compassion101 wrote:I'm with OP, I use the float unless I anticipate applying for credit.
In my mind, good credit score is something we attain so that we can take advantage of credit offers, floats, 0%APRs, rewards, better interest rates, etc. Alot of people bypass many of the advantages (particularly the floats and the 0%APRs) so that they can keep their scores higher on a consistent basis. But other than the spontaneous app,
I don't see what benefit it has. Ther important thing to me is not that I know what my exact credit score is today, but that I know my credit score can range from 670-770 depending on how much util I have reporting, and that I can generally adjust it to where I want it to be within 30 days.
The benefit shows up when your creditors periodically soft pull you for account review. Increased limits, decreased APRs, promotions, cash back incentives, and other things are offered to people who keep their report in shape. And if you get your report in shape just to acquire new credit, and then you start floating balances and using 0% APR offers, it can make you appear as a higher risk to your creditors than you were when you opened the account; this can cause financial reviews and adverse action.
I do take advantage of 0% offers and sign-up bonuses, but I try to limit them enough to still keep my reports in excellent shape.
I like the float too, but recently it's been something of a hobby to see my score keep going up and up. 
Also, I have everything in my budget planned to be funded in my checking account before it is spent so there isn't much of a reason not to just go ahead and pay it early before the statement posts. The APR on the checking is so abysmal, I doubt it could even gain me a penny to wait until the end of the grace period.
If I had some unexpected expense come up I would use the float to make it easier to pay off. But I would still PIF. I hate paying interest.
@SwampSystems wrote:
@compassion101 wrote:I'm with OP, I use the float unless I anticipate applying for credit.
In my mind, good credit score is something we attain so that we can take advantage of credit offers, floats, 0%APRs, rewards, better interest rates, etc. Alot of people bypass many of the advantages (particularly the floats and the 0%APRs) so that they can keep their scores higher on a consistent basis. But other than the spontaneous app,
I don't see what benefit it has. Ther important thing to me is not that I know what my exact credit score is today, but that I know my credit score can range from 670-770 depending on how much util I have reporting, and that I can generally adjust it to where I want it to be within 30 days.
The benefit shows up when your creditors periodically soft pull you for account review. Increased limits, decreased APRs, promotions, cash back incentives, and other things are offered to people who keep their report in shape. And if you get your report in shape just to acquire new credit, and then you start floating balances and using 0% APR offers, it can make you appear as a higher risk to your creditors than you were when you opened the account; this can cause financial reviews and adverse action.
I do take advantage of 0% offers and sign-up bonuses, but I try to limit them enough to still keep my reports in excellent shape.
+1
Good point. I think it is always good to keep utilization below 10%, but I feel banks won't inflict any adverse actions for 20%. That should be plenty to cover a months spending, or some 0% offers.
it varies for me. i dont mind floating. but ive held a balance on my best buy for well over a year. obviously my score has suffered. even though my util is now 6% with the 425 reporting i plan on having 1% by end of the year.
all other cards i try to pif or at least the next month before the intrest hits.
the only intrest ive EVER paid is when i didnt pay my best buy 18 month deal and hit me with 75 dollars in intrest at once. then i paid that off quick.
but like stated if you get softed they see that you have a 2500 balance on 3k card its going to raise some eyebrows.
@Uborrow-Upay wrote:
@Wolf3 wrote:I am a fan of the float. I plan my apps in advance, so I can adjust my utilization when I need to.
I don't feel the need to maximize my FICO score when I don't need it.
I don't get dressed up to stay home and watch TV either.
Wolf3, I think I love you!
Please stop by my house and tell my wife what you just told to the entire world. She puts checks in the mail (yeah, can you believe "the mail") before the bills are even cold from the mailman's hand...
Uborrow-Upay
I assume she also uses a debit card??? Haha it's good she is on top of things.
@Dustink wrote:
@SwampSystems wrote:
@compassion101 wrote:I'm with OP, I use the float unless I anticipate applying for credit.
In my mind, good credit score is something we attain so that we can take advantage of credit offers, floats, 0%APRs, rewards, better interest rates, etc. Alot of people bypass many of the advantages (particularly the floats and the 0%APRs) so that they can keep their scores higher on a consistent basis. But other than the spontaneous app,
I don't see what benefit it has. Ther important thing to me is not that I know what my exact credit score is today, but that I know my credit score can range from 670-770 depending on how much util I have reporting, and that I can generally adjust it to where I want it to be within 30 days.
The benefit shows up when your creditors periodically soft pull you for account review. Increased limits, decreased APRs, promotions, cash back incentives, and other things are offered to people who keep their report in shape. And if you get your report in shape just to acquire new credit, and then you start floating balances and using 0% APR offers, it can make you appear as a higher risk to your creditors than you were when you opened the account; this can cause financial reviews and adverse action.
I do take advantage of 0% offers and sign-up bonuses, but I try to limit them enough to still keep my reports in excellent shape.
+1
Good point. I think it is always good to keep utilization below 10%, but I feel banks won't inflict any adverse actions for 20%. That should be plenty to cover a months spending, or some 0% offers.
Case in point: Discover soft pulled me a few days ago, and today's statement shows my APR was reduced again from 16.24% to 14.24%. So it pays off to keep your file in good condition even if you're not actively seeking new credit.